SOLICITATION-19GV1026Q0020-SAM PUBLICATION.docx

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. Embassy Conakry Republic of Guinea August 27, 2026

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION 19GV1026Q0020

SUBJECT: Request for Quotations (RFQ) No. 19GV1026Q0020 — Production, Translation, and Broadcast Services for the Weekly Radio Program "Sous L'Arbre à Palabre"

Dear Prospective Offeror, The U.S. Embassy in Conakry, Guinea seeks a contractor to produce, translate, and broadcast a weekly, 20-minute radio emission titled "Sous L'Arbre à Palabre,". This emission has become a key platform for advancing Embassy engagement with the Guinean public. Broadcast in six languages (French, Poular, Sousou, Malinké, Kissi, and Guerzé) across ten cities in all four regions of Guinea, the program highlights U.S. commercial investments, health and security initiatives, educational and exchange opportunities, and inspiring stories from Guineans who embody shared U.S.-Guinea values.

By reaching audiences with limited internet access, low literacy, or limited French proficiency, the weekly emission extends the Embassy's outreach to populations that traditional digital and print communications often fail to engage, ensuring nationwide awareness of U.S. engagement and fostering attitudes and behaviors aligned with U.S. Government policy priorities in Guinea.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6, FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures, as applicable), and FAR Part 5 (Publicizing Contract Actions). A separate written solicitation document will not be issued. This notice constitutes the only solicitation.

Offers must be submitted in English via electronic mail to the Contracting Officer at conakryproc@state.gov, with the solicitation number 19GV1026Q0020 cited in the email subject line. All correspondence pertaining to this public notice must cite this solicitation number. The deadline for submitting offers is Friday, September 11, 2026, at 16:00 UTC + 00:00. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. The accepted file formats for offer packages are MS-Word 2007/2010 and Adobe Acrobat pdf. The file size must not exceed 30MB.

SOLICITATION 19GV1026Q0020 – SOUS L’ARBRE À PALABRE - Page 10 of 31

If the file size exceeds 30MB, the submission must be made in separate files, each less than 30MB and attached to separate emails.

Offer packages must consist of two distinct parts. Part A, the financial offer, must disclose without ambiguity all costs associated with the performance of the services outlined in the statement of work. Hidden or undisclosed costs that are revealed after the solicitation deadline or after an award is made will not be accepted Part B, the technical offer, must clearly and fully outline the offeror's service delivery strategy, including timelines. It must also cite and provide evidence of the offeror's:

i. Experience

ii. Clients over the past 3 years including contact information

iii. Available resources (human/financial/organizational) that will be devoted to the contract to ensure normal operations as well as continuity in service delivery under exceptional circumstances

iv. Valid government issued licenses/permits/authorizations to engage in the recording, translation and dissemination of radio shows.

v. Business insurance certificate(s) providing coverage for the eventualities that could arise under the expected contract

vi. Other attributes in support of its identity and its ability to produce, translate and broadcast radio emissions.

vii. Representations and Certifications required under VIII Part II, X Part IV, XII.

Unless a U.S. Government Contracting Officer grants an exemption under FAR 4.1102, Offerors shall be registered in the SAM (System for Award Management) database at https://www.sam.gov prior to submittal of their offer/proposal. Failure to be registered at time of proposal submission may result in a determination that an offer or offeror is not responsible and no further consideration will be given. Offerors are therefore encouraged to register immediately. Completed representations and certifications under FAR 52.212-3 must also be submitted.

Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted by email to the procurement contact, Fama Marah, at marahf@state.gov with cc to ConakryProc@state.gov.

We appreciate your interest in supporting U.S. Embassy Conakry's public diplomacy mission in Guinea.

Sincerely, Lisa R. Coles GSO/Contracting Officer U.S. Embassy Conakry

II. TABLE OF CONTENTS

III. SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION NOTICE DATA (FAR 5.203; FAR 12.603)

Email: marahf@state.gov with cc to: ConakryProc@state.gov

This notice is issued under the authority of FAR 12.603, using streamlined procedures for solicitation and evaluation of offers for commercial services.

IV. PART I — THE SCHEDULE (OF SERVICES AND THEIR PRICES)

A. Contract Line-Item Summary

Week #

Dates (Monday - Sunday)

Service Title

Individual Podcasts

Service Quantity

Service Unit Price GNF Service Quantities Received (For embassy use)

Total Price GNF

Oct 5, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026 Recording of initial podcast in French

Translation of French podcast to 5 local languages

Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026

Oct 19, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026

Oct 26, 2026 - Nov 1, 2026

Nov 2, 2026 – Nov 8, 2026

Nov 9, 2026 – Nov 15, 2026

Nov 16, 2026 – Nov 22, 2026

Nov 23, 2026 – Nov 29, 2026

Nov 30, 2026 – Dec 6, 2026

Dec 7, 2026 – Dec 13, 2026

Dec 14, 2026 – Dec 20, 2026

Dec 21, 2026 – Dec 27, 2026

Dec 28, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027

Jan 4, 2027 – Jan 10, 2027

Jan 11, 2027 – Jan 17, 2027

Jan 18, 2027 – Jan 24, 2027

Jan 25, 2027 – Jan 31, 2027

Feb 1, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027

Feb 8, 2027 – Feb 14, 2027

Feb 15, 2027 – Feb 21, 2027

Feb 22, 2027 – Feb 28, 2027

Mar 1, 2027 – Mar 7, 2027

Mar 8, 2027 – Mar 14, 2027

Mar 15, 2027 – Mar 21, 2027

Mar 22, 2027 – Mar 28, 2027

Mar 29, 2027 – Apr 4, 2027

Apr 5, 2027 – Apr 11, 2027

Apr 18, 2027

Apr 19, 2027 – Apr 25, 2027

Apr 26, 2027 – May 2, 2027

May 3, 2027 – May 9, 2027

May 10, 2027 – May 16, 2027

May 17, 2027 – May 23, 2027

May 24, 2027 – May 30, 2027

May 31, 2027 – June 6, 2027

June 7, 2027 – June 13, 2027

June 20, 2027

June 21, 2027 – June 27, 2027

June 28, 2027 – July 4, 2027

July 5, 2027 – July 11, 2027

July 12, 2027 – July 18, 2027

July 19, 2027 – July 25, 2027

July 26, 2027 – Aug 1, 2027

Aug 2, 2027 – Aug 8, 2027

Aug 9, 2027 – Aug 15, 2027

Aug 16, 2027 – Aug 22, 2027

Aug 23, 2027 – Aug 29, 2027

Aug 30, 2027 – Sept 5, 2027

DISCLAIMER: Dates are tentative. Project launch date and project completion dates may be adjusted to reflect the amount of time taken to solicit, review offers and issue approved contract awards. Dates may be adjusted further in response to force majeure/ acts of God TOTAL OFFER VALUE = SUM OF THE VALUES IN THE TOTAL PRICE COLUMN OF THE PRECEDING TABLE: [GNF ]

B. Inspection and Acceptance Inspection and acceptance of all deliverables will be undertaken by a U.S. Government Contracting Officer (or a duly delegated representative) in accordance with FAR 52.212-4(a) and the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan at Section VII below.

V. STATEMENT OF WORK

(Incorporated in full from the Government-furnished SOW; reproduced here for completeness of the solicitation package.)

V.1 Background The U.S. Embassy in Guinea's radio program, "Sous L'Arbre à Palabre," is currently broadcast in six languages across Guinea. The radio show highlights U.S. embassy engagement in Guinea, U.S. companies and other U.S. organizations operating in Guinea, U.S. government exchange alumni, and other Guineans that share U.S. values and priorities. The podcast-style program explores inspiring stories and transformative initiatives across various themes, including healthcare, security, education, business, and entrepreneurship. The target audience includes a wide range of listeners, especially those with limited internet access, literacy, or French language skills. By showcasing these stories, the Embassy aims to connect with all Guineans on issues of importance to the U.S. Embassy in Guinea.

V.2 Objectives The primary objective of this project is to produce, translate, and broadcast a 20-minute, weekly radio show, "Sous L'Arbre à Palabre," on behalf of the U.S. Embassy in Guinea. The program aims to:

1. Highlight U.S. Engagement in Guinea: Provide a platform for dialogue between the embassy, local partners, and the Guinean public to highlight key areas of U.S. engagement in Guinea, including but not limited to: U.S. businesses and commercial investment in Guinea, key health and security initiatives, and educational and exchange opportunities offered by the U.S. government.

2. Promote U.S.-Guinea Shared Values: Through inspirational stories and interviews, encourage attitudes and behaviors that align with the values and goals of the U.S. embassy and its partners.

3. Reach a National Audience: Engage with audiences across Guinea, particularly those with limited internet access, literacy, or French language skills.

· Broadcast languages: French, Poular, Sousou, Malinké, Kissi, and Guerzé.

· Broadcast in all four regions: Forest region: Kissidougou, N'Zérékore, Guéckédou; Upper Guinea: Kankan, Siguiri, Faranah; Middle Guinea: Labe, Mamou; and Coastal Guinea: Kindia, Boke

V.3 Period of Performance The period of performance for this project is October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. During this period, the contractor will record new twenty-minute radio programs; translate newly recorded and previously recorded Embassy-provided programs, as specified in the Service Delivery and Pricing Schedule; and broadcast completed programs weekly across all regions in Guinea.

Key Milestones:

· Weekly Radio Shows:

· First Show Broadcast: October 11, 2026

· Subsequent Weekly Broadcasts: Every Sunday at 15:30, unless the parties mutually agree in writing to a different recurring broadcast day and/or time.

· Final Show Broadcast: September 5, 2027

· Monthly Reports: First Monday of each month, beginning November 2, 2026.

· Final Evaluation Meeting: Week of September 27, 2027 Disclaimer: Dates are tentative and may be adjusted to reflect solicitation, evaluation, and award timelines, and in response to force majeure/acts of God.

V.4 Prior-Contract Episode Inventory The Embassy will provide the Contractor with:

· 13 French-language episodes produced under a prior contract requiring translation and broadcasting under this contract.

· 9 episodes produced and translated under a prior contract requiring broadcasting only under this contract.

At the beginning of the period of performance for the contract envisaged by the current solicitation , some of the these previous contract episodes may still be in production or translation and may therefore not be immediately available to the contractor.

The Service Delivery and Pricing Schedule at section IV above reflects only the services to be performed under this contract. Each service is considered a separate unit of performance, and an episode may require any of the following combinations of service elements:

i. Recording, translation, and broadcast;

ii. Translation and broadcast only;

iii. Broadcast only.

Accordingly, services completed under the prior contract are not included as service units under this contract; only the remaining translation and/or broadcasting services to be performed by the contractor are reflected in the applicable service quantities.

The U.S. Embassy is not required to identify or provide all prior-contract episodes at the beginning of the period of performance. The Embassy may select and provide these episodes to the contractor on a rolling basis during the period of performance and may determine or revise the sequencing of such episodes, provided that the applicable advance-notice requirements below are met.

For an episode requiring translation and broadcast under this contract, the Embassy will provide the completed French-language audio file to the contractor at least 14 calendar days prior to the scheduled broadcast date.

For an episode requiring broadcast only under this contract, the Embassy will provide the completed translated audio files to the contractor at least 7 calendar days prior to the scheduled broadcast date.

V.5 Service Delivery and Pricing Schedule Because the Embassy will provide previously produced episodes at different stages of completion, the total quantities for recording, translation, and broadcasting are not equal. The quantities below represent the total units of each service to be performed under this contract.

Total Services during service period (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027):

· Total Recordings: 26 (new podcast recordings in French)

· Total Translations: 195 (39 podcasts translated to five local languages)

· Total Broadcasts: 480 (48 podcasts, broadcast once per week in 10 locations)

Summary of Total Services by Week Weeks 1–13 Each week:

· Record 1 new podcast

· Translate 1 podcast into five languages (equaling 5 translation units of service)

· Broadcast 1 completed podcast in all 10 regions (equaling 10 broadcast units of service)

Weeks 14–26 Each week:

· Record 1 new podcast

· Translate 1 podcast into five languages

· Broadcast 1 completed podcast in all 10 regions

Weeks 27–39 Each week:

· Record 0 new podcasts

· Translate 1 podcast into five languages

Weeks 40–48 Each week:

· Record 0 new podcasts

· Translate 0 podcasts

Use the remaining time for quality control, promotional content, monitoring, and preparation for the next production cycle.

Production Totals

DISCLAIMER: Dates are tentative. Project launch date and project completion dates may be adjusted to reflect the amount of time taken to solicit, review offers and issue approved contract awards. Dates may be adjusted further in response to force majeure/ acts of God.

V.6 Place of Performance The primary place of performance for this project will be the media outlet's facilities located in Conakry, Guinea; however, recordings may be done at studios in other locations as appropriate. The radio show will be broadcasted across all four regions in Guinea including 10 cities to ensure nationwide coverage.

V.7 Definition and Sequence of Service Requirements A. Production

· Schedule and record interviews in French with embassy-selected guests using embassy-provided questions.

· Edit recordings as needed so that each recording is 20-minutes.

B. Translation

· Translate French-language recordings, including previously recorded Embassy-provided episodes identified for translation under the Service Delivery and Pricing Schedule, to Malinke, Sousou, Poular, Guerze, and Kissi.

· Upload all recordings to Airtable (online platform) to facilitate embassy review.

C. Broadcasting

· Broadcast completed episodes, including both episodes produced under this contract and Embassy-provided episodes produced during a prior period of performance, in 10 cities to ensure comprehensive coverage across the country.

· Broadcast weekly in French or most widely spoken local language.

D. Technical and Logistical Support

· Provide all necessary technical and logistical support for the broadcasting of the radio shows.

· Ensure high-quality audio production and reliable broadcast transmission.

E. Monitoring and Reporting

· Monitor the impact of the broadcasts and gather feedback from the audience to evaluate the effectiveness of the communication strategy.

· Provide monthly reports to the U.S. Embassy on the performance of the radio show, including listener feedback and any observed changes in behavior or attitudes.

V.8 Travel Broadcast activities will take place at the media outlet's facilities in Conakry or at radio stations outside Conakry. Any necessary travel within or outside Conakry will be coordinated by the media outlet vendor.

V.9 Government-Provided Resources The U.S. Embassy will provide the following resources to support the project:

· Guest list and their contact information.

· Review and approval of the content for each radio show.

· Embassy-owned audio files produced during a prior period of performance that require outstanding translation and/or broadcasting services under this contract.

V.10 Ownership and Usage Rights All audio files produced as part of this contract will become the property of the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. Embassy reserves the right to use these audio files in full or in derivative form for various purposes, including but not limited to:

· Broadcasting on other radio stations

· Posting on social media platforms

· Inclusion in other embassy communications and promotional materials This clause ensures that the U.S. Embassy retains full control over the distribution and use of the produced content.

VI. SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES

U.S. Embassy Conakry, via radio station broadcast

Note: Recordings completed in a given week are not necessarily intended for broadcast that same week; the Embassy may sequence new and prior-contract episodes to maintain the weekly broadcast schedule.

VII. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

The Government will use the following performance standards, acceptable quality levels (AQL), surveillance methods, and consequences of unacceptable performance to monitor Contractor performance under FAR 52.212-4(a) and (e).

A. Production (Audio Recording) Standards (Benchmarked to AES, ITU, EBU, and IEC standards)

Peak <-1 dBTP

3285) delivered to Embassy;

broadcast-ready format per station requirements

B. Translation Standards (Benchmarked to ISO translation quality standards)

C. Broadcasting Standards (Benchmarked to ITU-R standards)

D. Reporting and Responsiveness

The COR will conduct monthly surveillance reviews, document findings in a Contractor Performance Record, and provide input to CPARS at contract closeout, consistent with FAR 42.15.

VIII. PART II — CONTRACT CLAUSES

The following clauses apply and are incorporated by reference unless otherwise noted (full text available at acquisition.gov):

A. Provisions/Clauses Incorporated by Reference

FAR 52.212-

Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services

FAR 52.212-

Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Offeror must complete and submit, or confirm current annual reps/certs in SAM.gov)

FAR 52.212-

Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services

FAR 52.212-

Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services

FAR 52.203-

Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest

FAR 52.204-

System for Award Management

FAR 52.204-

System for Award Management Maintenance

FAR 52.204-

24 / 52.204- Representation/Prohibition Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment

FAR 52.209-

Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment

FAR 52.219-

Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (if small business status applies)

FAR 52.222-

Convict Labor

FAR 52.222-

Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies

FAR 52.222-

Prohibition of Segregated Facilities

FAR 52.222-

Equal Opportunity

FAR 52.222-

Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities

FAR 52.222-

Combating Trafficking in Persons (especially critical for overseas performance)

FAR 52.223-

Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving

FAR 52.225-

Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases

FAR 52.232-

Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management

FAR 52.233-

Service of Protest

FAR 52.233-

Protest After Award

FAR 52.233-4

Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim

FAR 52.224

Privacy Act

B. Department of State Acquisition Regulation (DOSAR, 48 CFR Chapter 6) Clauses

IX. PART III — LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

The following attachments are incorporated into this solicitation and any resulting contract:

V.5 of this document

Certifications Form (FAR 52.212-3) To be completed by Offeror and submitted with offer, unless current in SAM.gov

Note: Attachments 1–3 are reproduced in full within the body of this combined synopsis/solicitation for the convenience of Offerors and are not issued as separate standalone files. Attachment 4 is a standard government-wide form available at acquisition.gov and via SAM.gov.

X. PART IV — REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

A. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (incorporated by reference; tailored addenda below) Addenda to 52.212-1:

1. Submission Requirements. Offerors shall submit:

· Technical/Management Approach (addressing production, translation, and broadcast capability; staffing; equipment; and language capacity in all six required languages)

· Past Performance References (minimum 3, for similar media production/broadcast services within the past 3 years)

· Price Proposal, using the CLIN structure and Service Delivery and Pricing Schedule format provided

· Completed Representations and Certifications (FAR 52.212-3), unless current in SAM.gov

· Proof of technical capability to broadcast in all 10 designated cities (e.g., partner station agreements or owned infrastructure)

2. Offer Validity Period. Offers must remain valid for 90 days counting from the closing date.

3. Questions. Submit in writing to the point of contact identified above.

4. Oral Presentations/Demonstrations. May be required upon request.

B. FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (see Section XI below for tailored factors) C. FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services Offerors shall complete annual representations and certifications electronically via SAM.gov. If not current, Offerors must submit a completed paper copy of 52.212-3 with their quotation.

XI. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND BASIS OF AWARD (FAR 52.212-2)

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose offer, conforming to the solicitation, represents the best value to the Government.

Evaluation Factors

1. Technical/Management Capability (Most Important Non-Price Factor)

· Demonstrated ability to produce, translate, and broadcast content in all six required languages (French, Poular, Sousou, Malinké, Kissi, Guerzé)

· Proven access to broadcast infrastructure in all 10 required cities across all four regions

· Proposed audio production quality standards consistent with Section VII (QASP)

· Qualifications and experience of key personnel (producers, translators, technicians)

· Proposed workflow and quality control procedures for meeting weekly deadlines

2. Past Performance

· Relevance and recency of similar media production/broadcast contracts, particularly in Guinea or comparable West African markets

· Quality, timeliness, and cost control on past efforts, as evidenced by references and/or CPARS

3. Price

· Reasonableness and realism of proposed unit prices across all CLINs (recording, translation, broadcast)

· Completeness and internal consistency of the priced Service Delivery and Pricing Schedule Basis of Award The Government intends to award a single Firm-Fixed-Price contract without discussions, but reserves the right to conduct discussions if determined to be in the Government's best interest (FAR 52.212-1(g)). Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose quotation provides the best value to the Government considering price and non-price factors as described above.

XII. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. Performance Requirements Summary — Detailed audio production, translation, and broadcasting standards are set forth in Section VII (QASP) above and shall be incorporated into the resulting contract as performance standards under FAR 37.6 (Performance-Based Acquisition), to the extent applicable to this commercial services acquisition.

2. System for Award Management (SAM) Registration — Offerors must be actively registered in SAM.gov (or the applicable foreign vendor equivalent process for non-U.S. entities) prior to award, per FAR 52.204-7.

3. Overseas Performance Considerations — The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Guinean laws and regulations governing broadcasting, labor, and media licensing, in addition to U.S. Government contract requirements. The Contractor shall confirm valid Guinean broadcast licensing/authorization for each city in which it proposes to broadcast.

4. Ownership and Usage Rights — As set forth in SOW Section V.10, all audio files produced under this contract become U.S. Embassy property with unrestricted usage rights for the Embassy.

5. Travel — Contractor-coordinated; costs must be reflected in the price proposal if not included in unit prices.

6. Combating Trafficking in Persons — The Contractor shall comply fully with FAR 52.222-50 and shall certify, upon request, compliance with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, particularly given overseas performance and local labor engagement.

7. Security of Data — Audio files and related content shall be uploaded and stored via Airtable in a manner that protects Embassy-provided content (e.g., guest information, unreleased episodes) from unauthorized disclosure.

XIII. INVOICING PROCEDURES

Invoices must include:

· Contractor name and address

· Contact name, title, and telephone number

· Government contract/task order number

· Invoice date and number

· Actual date(s) services were performed

· Period of performance

· Description, CLIN/SLIN, price, and quantity of services rendered

· Applicable discount terms, if any

· Monthly invoice detailing services provided

· Any other substantiating documentation required by the contract Payment will be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) per FAR 52.232-33, unless a waiver is authorized prior to award.

Required Certifications (to accompany each invoice):

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